GM Mike Elias said Sunday that Gunnar Henderson (side) will begin the season on the injured list, per team updates, expecting a short absence measured in days.

Fantasy Impact

Henderson’s side injury from late February keeps him off the Orioles’ Opening Day roster, despite Saturday’s live BP hinting at readiness. Elias projects a brief IL stint for the 24-year-old. Fantasy managers in all leagues should stash him, banking on his elite bat for a swift return to Baltimore’s 2025 lineup if his rehab continues progressing smoothly in exhibition play soon.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Gunnar Henderson (side) will face live pitching Saturday, per team updates, nearing game readiness despite Thursday’s Opening Day doubts.

Fantasy Impact

Henderson’s Saturday live BP, after Hyde’s Thursday caution on his Opening Day timeline, suggests a short IL stint at worst for the Orioles’ 23-year-old star with his side rehab on track. Fantasy managers in all leagues should roster him, banking on his elite bat for a swift return to Baltimore’s 2025 lineup, likely missing minimal time if he clears this weekend hurdle.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Thursday that Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) is short on time for Opening Day readiness, per team updates, with hope fading for March 27 in Toronto.

Fantasy Impact

Henderson’s intercostal issue leaves his March 27 start in Toronto in doubt Thursday, per Hyde, needing game action soon or facing an IL stint. Jackson Holliday, Ramon Urías, and Jordan Westburg could shift if he’s out. Fantasy managers in all leagues should roster him, banking on his elite bat for the Orioles’ 2025 lineup if cleared, or bracing for a brief delay.

Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) took batting practice Tuesday, per team updates, progressing from a mild right intercostal strain as he aims for Opening Day readiness.

Fantasy Impact

Henderson’s Tuesday BP marks a step toward Opening Day after his intercostal strain, but game at-bats loom as a key hurdle for the Orioles’ star. A delay could shift Jackson Holliday to shortstop and Ramon Urías to second. Fantasy managers should roster him confidently, expecting his elite bat to shine if he’s cleared, though a brief absence might tweak early lineups.

Gunnar Henderson said Saturday his right intercostal strain feels much improved, aiming to be ready for Opening Day after resuming baseball activities this week, per team updates.

Fantasy Impact

Henderson, a 23-year-old sidelined since late February by a mild intercostal strain, eyes a pre-Opening Day game return. His ramp-up this week will signal his readiness for the Orioles’ lineup. Fantasy managers can bank on his breakout potential if he proves fully fit in time.